A Foodie’s Guide to Palm Springs, CA in 4 Days

  • Day 1: Breakfast at Elmer’s Restaurant
    10 minutes (2.1 miles) from Palm Springs International Airport

    Elmer’s Restaurant is a Palm Springs breakfast institution known for their German pancake and famous waffles. Enjoy a hearty breakfast to start your day of exploring the city.

  • Day 1: Palm Springs Art Museum
    4 minutes (0.3 miles) from Elmer’s Restaurant

    Explore contemporary art at the Palm Springs Art Museum in the heart of downtown. The museum features rotating exhibits and a permanent collection of art, sculpture, and photography.

  • Day 1: Dinner at Rooster and the Pig
    4 minutes (0.3 miles) from Palm Springs Art Museum

    Rooster and the Pig is a Vietnamese fusion restaurant that offers delicious dishes with creative flavors. Enjoy a family-style dinner with friends and family.

  • Day 2: Breakfast at The Purple Palm Restaurant & Bar
    9 minutes (1.8 miles) from Rooster and the Pig

    The Purple Palm Restaurant & Bar is located inside the Colony Palms Hotel and offers a delicious breakfast that combines traditional and modern flavors.

  • Day 2: Palm Springs Air Museum
    8 minutes (1.5 miles) from The Purple Palm Restaurant & Bar

    Palm Springs Air Museum is a must-visit attraction for aviation enthusiasts. The museum features vintage and restored aircraft, exhibits, and educational programs.

  • Day 2: Dinner at Copley’s on Palm Canyon
    6 minutes (1.0 mile) from Palm Springs Air Museum

    Copley’s on Palm Canyon is an upscale restaurant located in a former Cary Grant estate. The restaurant features Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with local ingredients.

  • Day 3: Breakfast at Cheeky’s
    6 minutes (1.0 mile) from Copley’s on Palm Canyon

    Cheeky’s is a breakfast spot known for its fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant also offers gluten-free and vegan options.

  • Day 3: Hike in Indian Canyons
    14 minutes (4.4 miles) from Cheeky’s

    Explore the natural beauty of Palm Springs with a hike in Indian Canyons. The canyons offer beautiful scenery, waterfalls, and a glimpse into the local Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians culture.

  • Day 3: Dinner at Birba
    10 minutes (1.6 miles) from Indian Canyons

    Birba is a popular Palm Springs restaurant, bar, and pizzeria. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas and creative cocktails on the patio under the stars.

  • Day 4: Breakfast at L’appetito
    8 minutes (1.1 miles) from Birba

    L’appetito is a charming European-style café located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. The café offers a wide selection of sweet and savory breakfast options and delicious coffee.

  • Day 4: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
    10 minutes (1.2 miles) from L’appetito

    Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains to enjoy beautiful views of the Coachella Valley. At the top, there are hiking trails, a restaurant, and a natural history museum.

  • Day 4: Lunch at Escena Lounge & Grill
    10 minutes (2.8 miles) from Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

    Escape the heat by enjoying lunch at Escena Lounge & Grill, located at Escena Golf Club with sweeping views of the San Jacinto Mountains. The restaurant offers American cuisine and an outdoor patio.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Elmer’s Restaurant (1 hour, $15)
  • Palm Springs Art Museum (2 hours, $20)
  • Rooster and the Pig (2 hours, $40)
  • The Purple Palm Restaurant & Bar (1 hour, $25)
  • Palm Springs Air Museum (2 hours, $20)
  • Copley’s on Palm Canyon (2 hours, $70)
  • Cheeky’s (1 hour, $20)
  • Indian Canyons (3 hours, $20)
  • Birba (2 hours, $40)
  • L’appetito (1 hour, $15)
  • Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (3 hours, $60)
  • Escena Lounge & Grill (2 hours, $50)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $335

Transportation

Transportation in Palm Springs is mainly by car. Car rentals are available at Palm Springs International Airport, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area. Walking and biking are popular ways to travel in downtown Palm Springs but may not be practical for long distances.

The estimated cost for renting a car in Palm Springs is around $40 to $60 per day, depending on the rental company and type of car. Parking is widely available in the city but may be limited during peak tourist season.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park, located only an hour away. For a shorter trip, drive through Palm Canyon Drive to see the famous Palm Springs windmills. If you have less time, consider skipping the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Indian Canyons, or both.

Airports

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is the primary airport serving Palm Springs, located only 2 miles east of downtown. The airport operates domestic flights to major US cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. Several airlines, including Delta, American, and Alaska, serve the airport.

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